Lula wins Brazil election with 64.2 million votes

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured approximately 64.2 million valid votes in Sunday’s Brazilian presidential election, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, who received nearly 59.8 million. Lula’s victory represents a decisive shift, as he gained more than 10 million votes compared to the first round, overcoming his earlier deficit.

The Liberal Party, Flávio Bolsonaro’s political organization, formally accepted the election results on Monday. Party leader Valdemar Costa Neto stated that while the party recognizes the outcome, questions about the vote require clarification. Despite this institutional acceptance, Flávio Bolsonaro has not personally conceded defeat.

In a video released Monday, Flávio Bolsonaro indicated he would pursue a legal path to disqualify Lula’s win. He alleged abuses of political and economic power, stating, "The law must apply to everyone. The competition must be fair and equal, which did not happen." He did not present specific evidence for these claims in the video.

The election process saw a last-minute extension of voting hours. The Supreme Court ordered polling stations to remain open until 7 p.m. on Sunday following an appeal by Lula’s campaign regarding transportation disruptions. Bolsonaro’s campaign also requested an extension, citing heavy rain in the south. President Donald Trump questioned the legitimacy of the process on Monday, suggesting it looked like another rigged election without providing evidence.

Flávio Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest for his role in the 2022 coup attempt, also addressed his travel restrictions. He said Federal Police ordered him to surrender his passports after he visited his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, in Brasília. This order, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, followed remarks by Flávio’s brother Eduardo, who suggested he leave the country if he lost.

Lula’s victory is credited in part to a digital strategy that mobilized younger voters. André Janones, a congressman who helped direct the online campaign, attracted over 10 million followers to a WhatsApp channel known as Lula's Army. Lula thanked Brazilian youth in his victory speech in São Paulo for their role in supporting his return to office.